Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1887-11-16
CHAPTER XVI
uIaCuAnlEn.

lest reCrssas Of the forest, and the men
whose trade was blood were grouped
afvrt him. lie did not consider bis
own safety for moment; but the ques-
ton was which way could no serve
Mr. Smailwccd, the banker. best. His
common sense nc once toid him that
joining the hand and then bctraying
them would Doe The surest way TO save
the banker. life and property. He
would loss his life any way. and he
had L.IHr lose il TO somo advantage.
Those dark, fierce men, of whom there
wptr s.sun. would be sure 20 murder
him 1T ho refused, and II he betrayed
them they would be doubly sure To do
so. llc consented to aid them, and
apparently entered into their plan with
considerable zeal.
Whom tho meeting broke up. and
Walter once more took his place on the
wagon seat by Bill Martin. he could
scarcely believe himself awake; could
IL be that he had identified himself
with band Of burglars and murder
ers? He bad read Of such people and
such organizations, but supposed they
existed only in the imagination of some
author. Here he had met a real band
Of outlaws, more terrible and danger
Gus than the Observation-Disclosures novel
ist could paint them. He was silent,
and Bill spoke not word during the
drive home.
Tho Othcrmembers OF the gang were
worth ess fellows who lived chiefly by
hunting and tramping, and spent all
their time and money in a saloon at
Bushyillc. Jack Hawkins was the
leader and the brain power Of the
Rang. Ncvcr had Walter dreamed
that Jack could be so cruel, as he
looked on that night when he held the
sharp point of his knife over Walters
heart, aud sworo that if he ever proved
false to them he would drive it to the
hilt
II was lato when Bill Martin drove
mp 30 the farm of Jack Hawkins.
"Won't you git out an stay oil
night?"
81 had better 20 on TO Mr.. Miles to-
night, they might think 10 strange If
did not come said Walter.
That's so, Walt" said Bill. 'I'm
glad 10 see we've got an ego 20 the
safety o. the band. Remember now,
NUNS the word"
81 understand" said Walter.
"Thc man who turns traitor must
die-thets the oath.
81 understand IL, Bill"
"Remember that Wednesday night
we meet TO make grand haul. Help
me an We kin buy ole Miles an his gal,
too; fail us an yen git wooden
=. suit"
Walter assured him he was true, all
right, said every thing that would al
L.. Il Ht,v.,.inf N Nha road
toward the farmhouse Of MIR. Miles. 1t
was midnight and the air was frosty.
Those autumn nights were clear and
cold. he stars shono brightly from
the heavens, and rs Walter saw them
he wondered whether he should Oaze
upon them two weeks hence, or would
ne iill q fclons grave?
"Whv. O why, am | so persecutodP'
he asked himCelf "Never before did
know the full force of bad name.
Bill Martin heard that i had been
charged with larceny at Queenstown.
and supposed me suitable person for
this diabulical burglary burglary In
which | am appointed TO commit muir
der" lie shuddered, and we need not
wonder.
The road was cold, dark and silent;
when he came Co the great farmhouse,
tho dog barked furiously until he
recognized Walter. and then with a
joyous whine, sprang forward to greet
him. The house was silent Walter
found door unbolted, by which he
entered, and going to his room retired
TO bed. He slept none that night.
His mind was harassed by doubts and
fears. At one time he almost came to
the conclusion Of taking Farmer Miles
into his confidence, but then, knowing
that he lacked discretion and eN-
periencS, he abandoned the idea He
finally concluded TO take only the one
man into his confidence who was the
most intercsted-tnat was the banker
Smallweed. IL was dawn before
Walter slept the sleep brought on by
exhaustion. He was aroused from bis
slumbers by John Miles shaking him
by the shoulder. saying;
''See here, sir; ye better git up II ye
want any breakfast"
Walter started up, rubbing his eyes
and without word arose aud dressed
himself.
"Feedin's all done an breakfast
ready said John.
Waiter went down TO the well and
drew bucket Of cold water from It,
and, though the morning air was sting
ing cold, proceeded TO wash his face
and arrange his toilet in the rear yard
"Wcre you at the village yesterday
asked Mr.. Miles, coming up TO Walter
"Yes, sir" Walter answered, anC
his eyes fell as he remembered IN wha
business be was engaged. 81 perhap
did wrong in going to the village with
ont vonr consent " o Howl he wishe,
he had not gone at all.
"It was all right" the farmer re
piled. But try as he would, Waite
could not meet the eyes Of his EN-
ployer
Mr.. Brown, tho wounded man, cam
out TO tho breakfast table for the frs
time since he was brought 70 the house
PiDkey did not como into the dining
room. Breakfast passed in silence
and then Walter rose and retired to tn
barn to prepare for the days work,
IL say, Walter. want to see you.
said Mr.. Miles, coming from the hous
toward him
you haven't been here quite
month yet, have youP"
"No, sir" Walter answered. feelin,
n choking sensation in the throat
"Well here is full months wages
don't want hand any more" Mr.
Miles handed him the money an'
turned away.
81 hope, SIR" said Walter, "that
have not displeased youP"
.No, Walter was the farmers nc
ply, IN tone fun of sadness Il hav
no cause TO complain of your wo-k.
"Has my conduct been unbecominy
n fnrm-laborer, Mr.. MilesP"
The farmer was puzzled for an an
swer. Ho paused moment while hi
head was bowed with painful thought
"No; you have always behaved verJ
wei. about here, but-that--is-wel
hanpi.l don't want a hand"
.,rhat Is all right. Mr.. Miles, yoI
have n ,,crf.Nct riVht to DISCHARGE m,